ITBAYAT

Province of Batanes

ITBAYAT Province of Batanes

ITBAYAT
SOCIO ECOLOGICAL PROFILE
ITBAYAT
An Island that may seem like a place suspended in time.

An island paradise barely touched by the unrelenting hand of modernization, Itbayat

is one of the last regions of the Philippines where man has hardly left his mark on the
environment.

It is a place that sometimes feels foreign and wild, yet at the same time, familiar and tame,
a place of majestic rolling hills where wild horses roam freely, racing across open fields.
It's also a place forgotten by history, where vast cave systems hold the secrets to some of
the Philippines earliest settlers.

Most importantly, it's home to nearly 3,000 Ivatan—the original inhabitants of the island.

Itbayat is for a real adventure and experience of untouched nature, and is a perfect

destination.  
ITBAYAT

PAGANAMAN PORT
ITBAYAT

ITBAYAT HOUSE
ITBAYAT

ITBAYAT CHURCH
ITBAYAT

VALANGA PORT
ITBAYAT

CORAL CLIFF CAVE

ITBAYAT

ITBAYAT AIRPORT
HISTORY
1783 - church and civil government were already established
in Batan Island.

1855 - civil authority was officially established and the mission

canonically founded in Itbayag.

1909 - a mere settlement during the Spanish Colonial Period, it

became a municipal district when the Americans organized the
province.

1935 - it became a municipality.

GEOGRAPHY
Itbayat is the northernmost populated island of the
Philippine Archipelago.

Itbayat is located at 20°47’16”N 121°50’29”E.

Created by seafloor uplift that has been said to be occurring

for over 35 million years, Itbayat is the largest of the
islands that make up the Province of Batanes. It
has roughly 83km of coastline that consists of steep cliffs
with rocky shores. The interior is made up of rolling hills and
grasslands with patches of rainforests and a number of
caves. 

According to the Philippine Statistic Authority, the

municipality has a land area of 83.13 square kilometres
(32.10 sq mi) constituting 37.96% of the 219.01-square-
kilometre- (84.56 sq mi) total area of Batanes.
GEOGRAPHY
Five main seaports are situated on the coastline and are the
main transportation hubs to and from the island. (There is also
an airfield that is/was under repair at the time of this writing.)     
Itbayat is divided into five barangays, with a total population of
nearly 3,000 people.  

(A Barangay is the Filipino term for 'village'. Cities and

municipalities in the Philippines are typically divided into smaller
Barangays.)
GEOGRAPHY
One of the most striking features of Itbayat is the red
clay that makes up its topsoil.  

(The red clay is notoriously sticky under wet or rainy

conditions.) 
CLIMATE Climate data for Itbayat, Batanes (1981–2010, extremes 1971–2012)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record
30.6 31.8 31.9 34.8 36.5 35.6 37.0 34.6 34.5 32.9 31.8 30.2 37.0
high °C (87.1) (89.2) (89.4) (94.6) (97.7) (96.1) (98.6) (94.3) (94.1) (91.2) (89.2) (86.4) (98.6)
(°F)

Average
high °C
24.2
(75.6)
25.0
(77.0)
26.4
(79.5)
28.4
(83.1)
29.8
(85.6)
30.5
(86.9)
30.9
(87.6)
30.3
(86.5)
29.8
(85.6)
28.6
(83.5)
26.9
(80.4)
24.9
(76.8)
28.0
(82.4)
Located near the upper boundary of
(°F)

Daily
21.4 22.1 23.5 25.4 26.9 27.7 28.0 27.6 27.1 25.9 24.1 22.0 25.2
the Tropic of  Cancer, Itbayat has
mean
°C (°F)
(70.5) (71.8) (74.3) (77.7) (80.4) (81.9) (82.4) (81.7) (80.8) (78.6) (75.4) (71.6) (77.4)
an average temperature of 25.1
Average
low °C
(°F)
18.6
(65.5)
19.2
(66.6)
20.6
(69.1)
22.5
(72.5)
24.0
(75.2)
24.9
(76.8)
25.1
(77.2)
24.9
(76.8)
24.4
(75.9)
23.1
(73.6)
21.4
(70.5)
19.2
(66.6)
22.3
(72.1) °C (77 °F), meaning the island's
Record
low °C 12.2 10.7 13.8 14.0 18.8 20.0 18.7 20.0 19.8 15.0 14.8 12.5 10.7
climate is much cooler than the rest
(54.0) (51.3) (56.8) (57.2) (65.8) (68.0) (65.7) (68.0) (67.6) (59.0) (58.6) (54.5) (51.3)
(°F)
of the Philippines. Itbayat lies
Average
rainfall
mm
156.0
(6.14)
84.6
(3.33)
69.8
(2.75)
57.2
(2.25)
243.7
(9.59)
253.8
(9.99)
269.1
(10.59)
450.0
(17.72)
344.1
(13.55)
299.0
(11.77)
239.1
(9.41)
141.6
(5.57)
2,607.9
(102.67) directly in the path of northerly
(inches)

Average
typhoons, so rainfall is typical, but
rainy
days (≥
0.1
17 12 10 7 11 12 14 19 17 17 18 16 170 the dry season here tends to be
mm)
much more arid.
Average
  84 84 85 85 86 87 87 88 88 87 86 84 86
relative
humidit
y
 (%)
Source: PAGASA[9][10]
CLIMATE
  
There is also a prevailing easterly wind known to locals
as Avayat.  

The high winds have played an important role in Ivatan

society, shaping much of their culture and customs. Their
traditional clothing was crafted over the centuries to help
cope with the windy conditions of Batanes.  

(The nights get pretty chilly so be sure to bring a jacket.)   

BARANGAY
Itbayat has 5 barangays as shown in the following table.

Demographic profile of barangays

FLORA AND FAUNA
Itbayat's geographical location has kept it isolated for millions of
years. A distinct ecosystem has evolved that encompasses a
wide variety of plant and animal species that are endemic to the
island.  

Vegetation is sparse on Itbayat. Unlike most of the Philippine

archipelago, Itbayat is predominantly grasslands and shrubs with
patches of rainforest scattered around the landscape. 
The Philippine Date Palm is a part of everyday life and can be
found scattered all over the island. Ivatan people utilize all parts
of the date palm–its fruits are cooked in a variety of local dishes
or used to make a type of vinegar, and the dried date palm
leaves are what the Ivatan use to make their traditional clothing
and headgear, such as the Vakul.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Here a local Ivatan man rides his Carabao (water
buffalo) through town, a common sight since cars are rare
to the island.

Domesticated animals were first introduced to the

Philippines around 200 BC. It's not entirely known when
exactly the carabao was first brought to Itbayat.

Cows, goats, horses, chicken, and pigs are also common

on the island.  
FLORA AND FAUNA
The surrounding oceans are home to a wide array of sea
life. Itbayat is also the breeding ground for a number of
migratory fish such as Arayu, or what is more commonly
known as Mahi-Mahi (Dorado). 

Arayu fishing is an important part of Ivatan Heritage. The

fish has sustained the Ivatan people for generations. Locals
catch Arayu using traditional methods of a simple hook and
line.  

Ivatan fishing season starts around the end of March and

kicks off with the Kapayvanuvanua, a ceremonial ritual that
asks permission from sea spirits for the fishermen to leave
their ports.  A pig is traditionally sacrificed as payment to
ensure a bountiful fishing season.

(Tourist are allowed to witness the Kapayvanuvanua. The practice is sacred to the Ivatan fishing
communities so remember to respect the local traditions and keep a sensible distance.)
ECONOMY
The local economy is agriculturally driven, mostly
by farming and fishing.  

Root crops such as sweet potato, taro, garlic, ginger, onion,

and yam are grown because of their durability to the harsh
weather conditions of the island. Naturally, these crops
make up a good portion of the Ivatan diet.

There isn't much tourism in Itbyayat, so it has very little

impact on the economy.
   
(Be prepared to spend a little extra on commodities as it is
difficult to travel to Itbayat. Shipments are costly so there is
a slight markup on common goods.)  
DEMOGRAPHY
The municipality has a land area of 83.13 square kilometers or 32.10 square miles which
constitutes 37.96% of Batanes's total area. Its population as determined by the 2015 Census was
2,867. This represented 16.62% of the total population of Batanes province, or 0.08% of the overall
population of the Cagayan Valley region. Based on these figures, the population density is computed
at 34 inhabitants per square kilometer or 89 inhabitants per square mile.
DEMOGRAPHY
Age group Population (2015) Age group Population by age group
percentage
Under 1 41 1.43% According to the 2015 Census, the age group with the highest
1 to 4 246 8.58%
5 to 9 334 11.65% population in Itbayat is 10 to 14, with 356 individuals. Conversely,
10 to 14 356 12.42%
15 to 19 146 5.09% the age group with the lowest population is Under 1, with 41
20 to 24 145 5.06%
25 to 29 188 6.56%
individuals.
30 to 34 178 6.21%
35 to 39 177 6.17%
40 to 44 180 6.28% Combining age groups together, those aged 14 and below,
45 to 49 172 6.00%
50 to 54 187 6.52% consisting of the the young dependent population which include
55 to 59 123 4.29%
60 to 64 119 4.15% infants/babies, children and young adolescents/teenagers, make
65 to 69 77 2.69%
70 to 74 79 2.76% up an aggregate of 34.08% (977). Those aged 15 up to 64,
75 to 79 47 1.64%
80 and over 72 2.51%
roughly, the economically active population and actual or potential
Total 2,867 100.00%
Youth Dependency Ratio: 60.50 Old Age Dependency Ratio: 17.03 members of the work force, constitute a total of 56.33% (1,615).
Total Dependency Ratio: 77.52 Median Age: 29.40
Finally, old dependent population consisting of the senior citizens,
those aged 65 and over, total 9.59% (275) in all.
DEMOGRAPHY
Age group Population (2015) Age group
percentage
Under 1 41 1.43%
The computed Age Dependency Ratios mean that among the
1 to 4 246 8.58%
5 to 9 334 11.65% population of Itbayat, there are 61 youth dependents to every 100
10 to 14 356 12.42%
15 to 19 146 5.09% of the working age population; there are 17 aged/senior citizens
20 to 24 145 5.06%
25 to 29 188 6.56% to every 100 of the working population; and overall, there are 78
30 to 34 178 6.21%
35 to 39 177 6.17% dependents (young and old-age) to every 100 of the working
40 to 44 180 6.28%
45 to 49 172 6.00% population.
50 to 54 187 6.52%
55 to 59 123 4.29%
60 to 64 119 4.15%
65 to 69 77 2.69% The median age of 29 indicates that half of the entire population
70 to 74 79 2.76%
75 to 79 47 1.64% of Itbayat are aged less than 29 and the other half are over the
80 and over 72 2.51%
Total 2,867 100.00%
Youth Dependency Ratio: 60.50 Old Age Dependency Ratio: 17.03
age of 29.
Total Dependency Ratio: 77.52 Median Age: 29.40
DEMOGRAPHY
Census date Population Growth rate
1960 Feb 15 2,365 –

1970 May 6 2,760 1.52%

1975 May 1 2,978 1.54%

1980 May 1 2,859 -0.81% The population of Itbayat grew from 2,365 in 1960 to 2,867
1990 May 1 3,448 1.89% in 2015, an increase of 502 people. The latest census
1995 Sep 1 3,129 -1.80%
figures in 2015 denote a negative growth rate of 0.78%, or
2000 May 1 3,616 3.15%

2007 Aug 1 3,069 -2.24% a decrease of 121 people, from the previous population of
2010 May 1 2,988 -0.97%
2,988 in 2010.
2015 Aug 1 2,867 -0.78%

PopulationGrowth Rate
LOCATION
The municipal center of Itbayat is situated at approximately
20° 47' North, 121° 50' East, in the island of Itbayat.
Elevation at these coordinates is estimated at 98.8 meters
or 323.9 feet above mean sea level.
LOCATION
Nearest towns
Basco, Batanes, 39.43 kilometers (24.50 miles) to the South‑Southeast (S20°E)
Mahatao, Batanes, 42.46 kilometers (26.38 miles) to the South‑Southeast (S15°E)
Ivana, Batanes, 46.55 kilometers (28.92 miles) to the South (S9°E)
Uyugan, Batanes, 49.37 kilometers (30.67 miles) to the South‑Southeast (S12°E)
Sabtang, Batanes, 50.31 kilometers (31.26 miles) to the South (S4°E)
Calayan, Cagayan, 172.97 kilometers (107.48 miles) to the South‑Southwest (S13°W)
LOCATION
Nearest cities
Laoag, Ilocos Norte, 315.03 kilometers (195.75 miles) to the South‑Southwest (S25°W)
Batac, Ilocos Norte, 330.53 kilometers (205.38 miles) to the South‑Southwest (S24°W)
Tuguegarao, Cagayan, 351.45 kilometers (218.38 miles) to the South (S2°W)
Tabuk, Kalinga, 375.61 kilometers (233.39 miles) to the South (S6°W)
Vigan, Ilocos Sur, 387.13 kilometers (240.55 miles) to the South‑Southwest (S23°W)
Ilagan, Isabela, 403.13 kilometers (250.49 miles) to the South (S1°E)

Distance from Manila: 691.72 kilometers (429.81 miles) to the South (S8°W)

LOCATION
Based on the great-circle distance (the shortest distance between two points over the surface of the
Earth), the cities closest to Itbayat and Ilagan are Laoag, Batac, Tuguegarao, Tabuk, Vigan. The nearest
municipalities are Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, Sabtang. Its distance from the national capital is
691.72 kilometers (429.81 miles). The following list delineates such distance measurements.
great-circle distance.

Reaching Itbayat by a direct route from Manila is by plane via Jorge Abad Airport. There is a
commercial carrier that provides flights to Itbayat from Basco, the capital of Batanes:
SkyPasada and NorthSky Air

Sea transport companies that service Itbayat are:

M/B Ocean Spirit, M/B Itranza and M/B Veronica
NATIONAL RANKING
Population (2015): 2,867, ranked 1,621 out of 1,634

Land area (2007): 32.10 square kilometers, ranked 1,151 out of 1,634

Population density (2015): 34 inhabitants per square kilometer, ranked 1,577

out of 1,634

Annual population growth rate (2010 to 2015): -0.78%, ranked 914 out of 1,634
ATTRACTIONS

Siayan Island: the nearest island to the north

of Itbayat. It has beaches accessible by a one-
hour ride by motorboat from Itbayat (depending
on sea condition).
ATTRACTIONS

Di'nem Island: this volcanic island located

east of Itbayat. It features boulder beaches with
towering cliffs used for mountain climbing.
ATTRACTIONS

Rapang Cliff: A natural park with a ringing

mushroom-like rock. It is believed to have been
used by the ancient settlers to call a meeting.
ATTRACTIONS

Mount Riposed: One of the two major elevations (aside from

Karaboboan) that have been the foundation of Itbayat Island.
Situated in the south-eastern part of Itbayat has an elevation of
900 feet (270 m) that offers views of the island
ATTRACTIONS

Mount Karaboboan (Mount Santa Rosa): The other extinct

volcano of Itbayat Island is in the island's northern half. Near the
800-foot (240 m) mountain is a settlement of the early settlers of
Itbayat near Barangay Santa Rosa.
ATTRACTIONS

Torongan Cave: The most ancient dwelling place has a burial

ground on top. It is believed to be the first landing place of
the Austronesians from Taiwan around 2000 BC.
ATTRACTIONS

Nahili Votox: With its own Ijang and boat-shaped burial grounds, it

is also an ancient settlement where many broken clay pots have
been found. Its Ijang has views of Dinem and Itbayat Island's
eastern coast.
ATTRACTIONS

Itbayat Caves: These caves feature stalagmites and stalactites,

and have been given the names Northern Sarokan, Eastern
Sarokan, Do'tboran Cave, and Pevangan Cave.
ATTRACTIONS

Itbayat Caves: These caves feature stalagmites and stalactites,

and have been given the names Northern Sarokan, Eastern
Sarokan, Do'tboran Cave, and Pevangan Cave.
ATTRACTIONS

Port Mauyen: An alternative port south of Itbayat with a 14-turn

zigzag road. It is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) south of the town.
ATTRACTIONS
• Underground Stream in Kumayasakas: The stream flows down the sea, north-west of
Itbayat.

• Agosan Rock: rock formation north of Itbayat which is a breeding site for endangered
birds.

• Vernacular houses: A typical vernacular house is composed of three structures:(the

kitchen where they use kugon to cook, the actual house where people stay, and the
bathroom).

• Groto: 155 steps up

ITBAYAT EARTHQUAKE
SITUATION ANALYSIS
BATANES EARTHQUAKE
Three consecutive earthquakes
occurred north of Itbayat Island
Municipality in the province of Batanes
last 27 July 2019.

A 5.4 magnitude at 4:16 AM, 5.9

magnitude at 7:37 AM and 5.8
magnitude at 9:24 AM.
BATANES EARTHQUAKE
In accordance with the PHIVOLCS
Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) the
maximum intensities were

• VII (destructive) on Itbayat

• V (Strong) in Basco and
• IV (moderately Strong) in Sabtang
and Ivana
BATANES EARTHQUAKE
The earthquake caused houses to
collapse in the island municipality of
Itbayat displacing alsmost all the
3,000 people living in the island.
BATANES EARTHQUAKE
• A 5.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Itbayat Island that is part of the
Batanes Island Group and the northernmost province in the
27 July
Philippines.
2019

• Itbayat Island, is declared a state of calamity by the Provincial

29 July Government
2019

• The entire province of Batanes has been placed under a state of

1 August calamity.
2019

• A total of 385 aftershocks were recorded , of which 79 were plotted

and 36 were felt, ranging from 2.2-5.8 Magnitude and Intensity II to
5 August
VII.
2019
BATANES EARTHQUAKE
BATANES EARTHQUAKE
Based on NDRRMC report no. 15, the below shows the reported impact:
Damages and Casualties
1,025 families and 2,968 persons were affected in five Barangay
in Itbayat.
64 persons were injured in Itbayat, Earthquake
9 persons reported dead in Itbayat, Batanes
207 houses (180 fully, 27 partially) were damaged
Schools 1 fully and 3 partially damaged
Health facilities 1 fully and 3 partially damaged
Water systems 1 fully and 3 partly damaged
Damaged cost of infrastructures is estimated at PHP 266 million
BATANES EARTHQUAKE

Sources: DSWD, NDRRMC, PHIVOLCS, PSA

BATANES EARTHOUAKE
EARTHQUAKE

• Aerial photo shows the extent of the

damage caused by the earthquake that
hit Batanes recently.
BATANES EARTHOUAKE
EARTHQUAKE
Itbayat church

Among the damaged structures is the historic Sta Maria de Mayan Church in Itbayat

FALLEN TOWER. The Sta Maria de Mayan Church lost its bell tower following the series of earthquakes that hit
Itbayat, Batanes, on July 27, 2019.
BATANES EARTHOUAKE
EARTHQUAKE
Ancestral Homes

A damaged ancestral house in Barangay Santa Maria, Itbayat.

ITBAYAT
POST EARTHQUAKE PLAN
Itbayat Post Earthquake Plan

•Create a Master Plan that promote, guide,

and support the recovery, rehabilitation,
and reconstruction mainstreaming disaster
risk reduction and climate change
adaptation (CCA)
•Updating of Comprehensive Land Use Plan
and Zoning Ordinance
Itbayat Post Earthquake Plan

• Reconstruction: The medium- and long-term rebuilding and sustainable

restoration of resilient critical infrastructures, services, housing, facilities
and livelihoods required for the full functioning of a community or a
society affected by a disaster, aligning with the principles of sustainable
development
• Recovery: The restoring or improving of livelihoods and health, as well
as economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets, systems
and activities, of a disaster-affected community or society, aligning with
the principles of sustainable development
• Rehabilitation: The restoration of basic services and facilities for the
functioning of a community or a society affected by a disaster
 Social Sector
• Shelter Construction for families with Totally- Damaged Houses
and Partially Damaged HOUSES
• Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of HOSPITALS, RURAL HEALTH UNITS,
BARANGAY HEALTH STATIONS, BIRTHING CENTERS and OTHER RELATED FACILITIES
• Repair and Rehabilitation of MUNICIPAL HALL and BARANGAY HALLS
• Repair and Rehabilitation of GYMNASIUM, MULTIPURPOSE HALL and EVACUATION
CENTERS
• Repair and Rehabilitation of CLASSROOM and SCHOOL BUILDINGS
• Repair and Rehabilitation of POLICE AND FIRE STATIONS
• Restoration and Repair of CHURCHES and other HISTORICAL Sites and Structures
• LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE
Infrastructure Sector
• Repair and Rehabilitation of Damaged ROADS AND BRIDGES
• Repair and Rehabilitation of CANALS,DIKES, DRAINAGE, BOX
CULVERTS
• Repair and Rehabilitation of SEAPORT AND AIRPORT
• Detailed Inspection and Evaluation of GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS AND
STRUCTURES
• Repair and Rehabilitation of Municipal WATERWORKS SYSTEM
• Repair and Reconstruction of PUBLIC MARKET AND
SLAUGHTERHOUSE
Economic Sector
• Repair and Rehabilitation of TOURISM Facilities
• Development and Rehabilitation of Sustainable AGRICULTURE Projects
Integrated with Psychological Upliftment Trainings
• LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY Restocking Program, and Strengthening
Livestock Support Facilities
• Rehabilitation of FISHERIES and Other Support Facilities
• Rehabilitation of FISHPORT and IRRIGATION FACILITIES
Emerging Needs
• Own SOURCE OF ENERGY to Avoid blackout and subsequent power
rationing after the earthquake and other calamities
• Intensive INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION (IEC)
campaign on disaster preparedness to be prepared by the MDRRMC
for dissemination to all puroks and schools (nursery to graduate
schools)
• MULTIPLE HAZARDS, EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS AND OTHER
SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURES to improve the Municipal’s capacity to
reduce risks
Climate Change Best Practices
• FOOD SECURITY: climate field schools, diversified farming,
organic farming, decision tools for agricultural operations
• WATER RESOURCES: rainwater collection, rational water
management
• FORESTRY: reforestation, protected areas, tree planting
• COASTAL RESOURCES: mangrove reforestation, resilient
water-based livelihood, early warning system (EWS)
• HEALTH: surveillance systems for climate-sensitive diseases,
IEC on health impacts and EWS
Strategic Policies
•Strategic Policies on DRRM and CCA especially on the
vertical and horizontal structures design
• Avoid Permanent Development to areas vulnerable to
hazards
• Establishment of Protection Zone to buffer the works
during construction stage
• Integration of Hazard Maps with Infrastructure
Development
• Improve Communities’ capacity to manage disaster risks
and deal with their adverse effects